title: Relatives of patients with depression: experiences of everyday life.
abstract: The aim of this study was to describe experiences of everyday life as a relative of a person diagnosed with depression. A qualitative and descriptive design with a phenomenographic approach was chosen, and individual interviews with 24 relatives were carried out. Approval was given by the Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics, Norway (South East) ref 2010/126. The findings show the main category 'Living on the other person's terms', which may be expressed in terms of consideration for the next of kin, thus presenting a challenge and a need to be balanced against taking care of oneself. In addition, three descriptive categories emerged: 'Ambivalent relationship', 'Adjusting daily life' and 'Managing the situation'. In conclusion, the relatives of persons with depression may be in danger of developing their own health problems and in need for attention from health personnel.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, Science and Technology, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden; Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Care and Nursing, Gjøvik University College, Gjøvik, Norway.
authors.forename: Hege
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Skundberg-Kletthagen
authors.forename: Sigrid
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wangensteen
authors.forename: Marie Louise
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Hall-Lord
authors.forename: Birgitta
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hedelin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology*; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
keywords: depression; everyday life; inpatient; phenomenography; relatives